Chapter 7

Claire had her usual morning exercise routine without leaving the room, since the gym was quite far from where she stayed. John's room was more comfortable than she had imagined it would be. Even his bed felt like it was hers. To her, everything just aligned. 

She had her bath and changed into his tiniest clothes that just seemed to fit her perfectly. By the time she was out of the room, John was wearing a blue suit, although he wasn't done buttoning up his shirt. 

“Good morning Stranger.” John chuckled, passing a cup of coffee through the kitchen counter. 

“Good morning, John. How did you enjoy the couch?” She asked, turning to look at the couch only to realize he had popped it into a makeshift bed. 

“It was a good night.” He shrugged. 

“Now, I'm jealous.” Claire chuckled, scrutinizing the cup of coffee. 

“Err… whipped cream and extra sugar?” John asked like he was asking for approval. 

“It's exactly how I like it, that's why I'm suspicious.” Claire blushed, taking a sip. It tasted the exact way she usually took her coffee. 

“I mean, I'm kinda the goat when it comes to these things.” John shrugged, showing his pride which he thought he successfully hid. 

“How did you have your bath?” Claire questioned inquisitively. 

“I own the penthouse, you surely don't think I have one room, do you?” John responded, and Claire nodded, completely understanding him. 

“So, about Mark Jenkins, I've thought about it, and I'd take your advice. I won't chase him.” John said, although he was planning to suggest something that'd make him seem less desperate.

“What then is your plan?” Claire asked. 

“Since he visits your library every now and then, I was hoping you could just tip me off sometime, and we'd have a ‘run in’ with each other.” John suggested. 

“If that's what you want, it's chill. I still feel he doesn't matter much though.” 

“I'll owe you one.” John winked, finishing up his cup of coffee. Claire finished a minute after, and they made for the door. 

“Wait, let me help you.” Claire beckoned innocently, but only realized the gravity of her call when he stood right in front of her. She gasped gently, taking in the strong scent of his cologne, actively resisting his… seductive energy. 

John towered over her, lowering his gaze a little so he could see her. All he could see was her forehead, and a little part of her eyes because she was… small compared to him. 

Claire laid her hands on his buttons, and gently helped him up until the last one. She swallowed hard as his hand touched hers. 

“Thank you, Claire.” John whispered, and Claire suddenly felt uncomfortable out of nowhere again. 

“Yeah, sure.” She shrugged it off, walking past him before he could say anything. 

A smirk tugged at the corner of John's lips. He was proud that he still had it in himself to be flirtatious. 

John dropped Claire off at her library, walked her in, and left not long after. He met up with Tony at the office. He had a lady sitting on his leg when he walked into his office. 

“Tony.” John called, scowling.

“What's good, John?” Tony asked, unbothered by John's disappointed look. 

“Nothing much. Just the usual.” Tony shrugged. He left his lady to catch up with John who seemed annoyed. 

“Bro, don't make me regret giving you a space in this office. Man, you work downtown, why are you even here ?” John asked. 

“Because I came with news, and you weren't in to hear me out immediately. I came with the gorgeous lady , and she's been keeping me company since.” Tony explained. “Why were you late though?” 

“Claire stayed the night, and I had to drive her to her library. She thought she woke up early.” John scoffed. His morning routine started way earlier thanClaire’s supposed early time. 

“Damn bro, that was fast.” Tony howled, putting his palm over his mouth. “I didn't think you had the nerves to lick her up so quickly.” 

“Tony,” John called with a serious tone, “not everyone has sex with a lady the first day they spend a night in their apartment.” 

“Man, you're so slow.” Tony hissed. “And I damn well know that I taught you better.” 

“Why did you come so early, Tony?” John asked, locking the door into his office. He released a few buttons, letting his mind drag him back to their little contact earlier that morning. 

“Natalie struck bro.” He said, and John immediately thought of a billion things. 

“Do you mind speaking in clearer terms?” 

“So, when you left the event last night, she called me to tell me that she already asked Karen to fly in.” Tony explained. John slammed his hand on his desk, and shot up to his feet. 

“What?!” He snapped. 

“Well, in her defense, she said she called you several times, but you didn't pick up, and Karen had already boarded her flight.” Tony explained further. 

“What the fuck man?” John hissed. 

“I also sent you a ton of messages, but you seem to be ignoring everyone on purpose.” Tony shrugged, falling into the swirling chair opposite John. 

“Look man, I slept off immediately Claire went into the room, and I've not had the time to check my phone ever since.” John explained. 

“Well, I just thought to give you a heads up, so you don't get startled by whatever happens next.” Tony said, extending his legs over to the table. 

John was too infuriated to snap at him. He sunk into his chair, hissed, and hauled out his laptop. 

“Thank you, Tony. At least, you're not so useless.” John said.

“Man, fuck you. You know I'm the one person in your life you always need.” He said with a slight chuckle. 

“I think you should grab your lady, and haul both your asses out of my company bro.” John joked, and Tony laughed. 

He was about to pull his legs off the table to leave when the door suddenly opened. Both of them turned to see who was coming in, because it wasn't everyday anyone would be audacious enough to come in without a key card. Heck, no one could come in without a key card. 

“Holy shit.” Tony muttered as the person revealed themself. 

“Oh God, what has my grandmother done for fuck’s sake?!” John cussed under his breath as Karen walked in majestically. 

She had the usual sass that came with her presence. She wore a smile, and winked at Tony who smiled at her like he had been waiting for her for so long. 

“Hi Johnnn.” She elongated his name, rushing over to hug him.